Volkswagen Tiguan vs Isuzu MU-X

The Volkswagen Tiguan starts from $44,990 before on-road costs, while the Isuzu MU-X opens at $43,900. That makes the Isuzu MU-X the more affordable entry point by $1,090.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $49,489 and $48,290 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Isuzu MU-X by roughly $1,710 in fuel alone.

Both the Volkswagen Tiguan and Isuzu MU-X hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Volkswagen Tiguan and 86% for the Isuzu MU-X.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Volkswagen Tiguan, against 6 on the Isuzu MU-X.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Volkswagen Tiguan and 8 in the Isuzu MU-X.

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

The Volkswagen Tiguan features a 12.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Isuzu MU-X gets a 8-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Volkswagen Tiguan stands out with wireless charging and power tailgate — features our data doesn't list for the Isuzu MU-X. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Volkswagen Tiguan uses a 1.4 litre TSI producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed dsg to a FWD layout.

The Isuzu MU-X responds with a Diesel making 120kW and 400Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels.

The Isuzu MU-X has the clear power advantage at 120kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Volkswagen Tiguan measures 4,539mm long on a 2,681mm wheelbase, 321mm shorter than the Isuzu MU-X at 4,860mm (2,855mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Isuzu MU-X generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 652L in the Volkswagen Tiguan and 311L in the Isuzu MU-X, giving the Volkswagen Tiguan a 341L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1650L vs 2138L. The Isuzu MU-X seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Isuzu MU-X leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 1,700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,166/year for the Volkswagen Tiguan and $1,824/year for the Isuzu MU-X. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Isuzu MU-X.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Tiguan) vs 6 years / 150,000km (Isuzu MU-X). The Isuzu MU-X has longer coverage.